Fortunately he is wrong as PL-15 is much inferior to Meteor, PL-15 is regarded as comparable to AIM-120D (Meteor is 2 times superior to AIM-120D in every engagement envelope).
More importantly PL-15 is fitted with dual pulse motor which is a much older tech compared to Meteor's Ramjet engine, which is why Meteor's No escape zone is a whopping 60-70 km & that of AIM-120C is only 25 km & for AIM-120D 35 km (same as PL-15).
Thanks to ramjet, Meteor is the only operational air to air missile in the entire known universe that is capable of terminal stage manuevers.
You speak very highly of the Meteor Missile as if the Rafale plays second fiddle to it, but that's another discussion altogether.
I'm sure you've read this topic a lil' over a month back.
https://defence.pk/pdf/threads/rayt...g-us-missile-defense-secrets-to-china.651975/
It speaks of a 48 year old US-born Chinese/American who recently got arrested for leaking information to the Chinese. You know...worked for Raytheon, Inc. - Laptop* - Travelled to China with it.
Now there is no way of really knowing if he did what he has been accused of, but lets say....hypothetically, he did do what he's been charged with. Do you seriously think that is where the Chinese would stop.
In a scenario like this, your precious Meteor with the Ramjet capable of Terminal Stage Maneuvers is currently being produced under the name PL-20 & being shipped to the PAF for the Block III.
Obviously I used 'hypothetically', so you need not hyperventilate.
[However, one should never underestimate the Chinese]
Fact is, espionage never truly died. Anyone who thinks that its a lost art of the Cold War, needs to look at the what the World holds today.
No one here discredits the Rafale or the Meteor. But judging by the lack of confidence and ever evolving statements within the ranks (Past/Present) of the IAF - one can't help to feel a sense of confusion within the IAF.
*Just so that everyone is clear what was on it...
1. The AMRAAM.
2. Redesigned Kill Vehicle (RKV) program - Pentagon cancelled the program last year due to technical problems.
@Beast @beijingwalker